GE Aerospace Accelerates India Manufacturing Growth with 100 Crore Pune Investment

Pune, India, May 18: GE Aerospace today announced an investment of INR 100 Crore in its Pune manufacturing facility, further strengthening its manufacturing footprint in India and reinforcing its long-term commitment to the country. The investment will support new welding technologies, advanced inspection equipment, precision tools, gauges, fixtures, and additional infrastructure enhancements designed to increase production capacity, enhance process precision, and support the delivery of high-quality components for customers worldwide.

This latest investment builds on the INR 410 Crore announced over the last two years, bringing GE Aerospace’s total investment in the Pune facility to more than INR 510 Crore over three years. Previous investments were focused on advancing manufacturing processes, automation, and capability enhancements supporting next-generation engine components. The latest upgrades will further expand the facility’s capabilities and support component production across GE Aerospace’s GE90, GEnx, GE9X, and CFM International’s LEAP engine programs.

“This continued investment reflects GE Aerospace’s long-term commitment to India and our confidence in the Pune facility’s role within our global manufacturing network,” said Vishwajit Singh, Managing Director, Pune manufacturing facility, GE Aerospace. “Our continued growth is a win for our customers and the broader community, driving more apprenticeship and job opportunities at GE Aerospace and for our supplier partners. Over the past decade, this facility has grown into a high capability aerospace manufacturing hub, strengthening India‘s supplier ecosystem and contributing to GE Aerospace‘s global supply chain.”

GE Aerospace’s Pune manufacturing facility is a key part of the company’s global supply chain, producing critical components for commercial aircraft engines.  The facility works with more than 300 suppliers locally across a broader network of over 2,200 GE Aerospace suppliers in India, helping strengthen the country’s role in global aerospace programs through advanced manufacturing expertise and precision engineering capabilities. The facility also plays an important role in workforce development. Its structured two-year apprenticeship program enrolls more than 500 apprentices annually in classroom instruction and specialized TIG welding training through the site’s dedicated Weld School. Since 2015, the facility has trained more than 5,000 production associates, helping build a strong pipeline of aerospace manufacturing talent in India. Recent community and workforce development grants have also supported initiatives focused on technical education and skill development in the region.

Today’s announcement further reinforces GE Aerospace’s broader commitment to India, where the company continues to invest in manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain development to help shape the future of flight.

CFM International is a 50-50 joint company between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.

Shyam Middle East Resources expands industrial footprint with AED 40 million investment in Ras Al Khaimah facility

Ras Al Khaimah, May 18 Shyam Middle East Resources FZ-LLC, part of India’s renowned Shyam Steel Group, is establishing a new non-ferrous metals processing and manufacturing facility at Al Ghail Industrial Zone in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ).

With an investment of AED 40 million, the project marks a significant step in the Group’s global expansion strategy, strengthening its regional footprint while tapping into Ras Al Khaimah’s growing industrial ecosystem.

The agreement was formalised during a signing ceremony at RAKEZ’s Compass Coworking Centre, represented by Shyam Steel Group Chairman Shri Purushottam Beriwala and RAKEZ Sales Director Mustafa Shaker.

Spanning approximately 21,000 m², the facility will be developed in two phases. The first unit is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2027, followed by the second unit in the next quarter. The facility will process and manufacture non-ferrous metals, including lead, aluminium, and copper, along with alloy production from non-ferrous ingots, with a projected capacity of up to 2,000 tonnes per month. Once fully operational, it is expected to generate around 150 employment opportunities.

Commenting on the partnership, Beriwala said, “Our decision to establish operations in Ras Al Khaimah was driven by its cost-effective operating environment, investor-friendly policies, and strategic connectivity to global markets. RAKEZ provided a seamless set-up experience, supported by efficient processes, readily available industrial land, and a well-integrated. This investment marks an important milestone in strengthening our presence in the Middle East and expanding into new international markets.”

RAKEZ Group CEO Ramy Jallad said, “Shyam Steel Group’s set-up reinforces Ras Al Khaimah’s position as a growing hub for manufacturing and industrial activity. Demand for industrial materials and metal processing continues to grow alongside the region’s construction, infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors, creating strong opportunities for specialised industrial operations. At RAKEZ, we focus on enabling investors to move efficiently from set-up to production through ready infrastructure, responsive support, and a business environment designed for scale. We are pleased to support the Group as they expand their regional footprint and bring new industrial capabilities to the emirate.”

RAKEZ continues to support industrial investors through its integrated ecosystem, combining flexible solutions, world-class infrastructure, and end-to-end support services that enable businesses to establish, operate, and scale efficiently.

AD Ports Group Awards Three Contracts for Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of the Congo

Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo/ Abu Dhabi, UAE – 18 May 2026: AD Ports Group (ADX: ADPORTS), a leading global enabler of trade, industry, and logistics solutions, announced the award of three major contracts for the design and construction of marine and landside infrastructure, and the sourcing of crane equipment, for the Noatum Ports Pointe-Noire Terminal in the Republic of the Congo.

The container terminal is being developed under AD Ports Group’s majority-owned joint venture with the CMA CGM Group, through its subsidiary CMA Terminals, following an agreement signed between the two parties in February 2025.

The contract awards, with a combined value of approximately AED 735 million (USD 200 million,), mark a milestone in the development of the new container terminal, which is being delivered under AD Ports Group’s 30-year concession agreement with the Government of the Republic of the Congo, extendable by a further 20 years.

The awards include two contracts for marine works and topside works valued at approximately AED 551 million (USD 150 million) to MAR CONTRACTING SARLU and MBTP SA JV, in addition to a AED 184 million (USD 50 million) contract for three ship-to-shore (STS) cranes and nine rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes awarded to Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. (ZPMC).

The container terminal will initially include a quay wall of approximately 420 metres in length and 16 metres in depth, capable of accommodating Patagonia-class vessels, alongside a 100,000 sqm logistics area. Under its concession agreement with the Congolese government, the Group has the right to develop additional multipurpose cargo capabilities, to be evaluated in line with evolving business demand. 

Mohamed Eidha AlMenhali, Regional CEO – AD Ports Group, said: “These contract awards mark a significant step towards delivering a modern and future-ready container terminal at the Port of Pointe-Noire, in partnership with CMA Terminals. This development reflects AD Ports Group’s long-term commitment to investing in high-growth markets and developing integrated maritime and logistics infrastructure that strengthens regional trade connectivity. This strategic investment will not only enhance port capacity, but also to create lasting value for Congolese communities through job creation, skills development, and stronger integration into global trade. In addition, this development will support economic diversification, attract leading global shipping lines, and deliver sustainable value for the Republic of the Congo and the wider region, in line with the vision of our wise leadership in the UAE.”

The foundational contracts advance the development of the new container terminal at the Port of Pointe-Noire, enhancing its capacity to handle larger vessels and higher annual throughput, which further reinforces its role as a regional trade gateway serving Central and West Africa. Construction is expected to be completed in approximately two years.

Based on comparable port developments, Noatum Ports’ Pointe-Noire Terminal is estimated to create up to 9,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, from the initial phase of construction and through the start of operations.

Construction activities are projected to create up to 800 jobs, whilst direct terminal operations are expected to support a further 400 roles. In addition, up to 7,000 indirect jobs are anticipated through new business opportunities enabled by the terminal.

The development of the Noatum Ports Pointe‑Noire Terminal is closely aligned with the Government of the Republic of the Congo’s vision and the National Development Plan for Congo‑Brazzaville, which prioritises economic diversification, reduced dependence on hydrocarbons, and inclusive growth.

By modernising port infrastructure, enhancing trade competitiveness, and strengthening logistics capabilities, AD Ports Group supports the Government’s ambition to position Pointe‑Noire as a leading maritime and logistics hub for Central and West Africa, whilst generating sustainable economic and social benefits. 

The marine works contract includes the full design and construction of the quay wall, marine structures, crane foundations, quay infrastructure, and associated waterside works. The topside works contract covers the development of a concession area, including container yard infrastructure, operational and administrative facilities, utilities networks, substations, and supporting terminal infrastructure.

The crane supply contract covers the manufacture and delivery of Super Post-Panamax STS cranes, which are amongst the largest and most advanced in container ports. The hybrid RTG cranes are expected to reduce diesel consumption by up to 60% compared to conventional diesel-powered RTGs, equivalent to savings of approximately 1 million litres of fuel per year, and a reduction of around 5,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.

AD Ports Group continues to expand across Africa, with port terminals and logistics businesses in Egypt, Tanzania, Angola, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo, supporting regional trade integration and long-term economic development. In addition, the Group provides maritime shipping services in West and East Africa, and is building a 20km² industrial and logistics park in East Port Said, Egypt, at the Mediterranean mouth of the Suez Canal.

UNIQLO Brings UT Graphic T Universe Pop-Up to Gurugram

Delhi, May 18 :  Global apparel retailer UNIQLO is bringing the world of UT to Gurgaon with a month-long UT Pop-Up at Ambience Mall, Gurugram from May 15 to June 15, 2026. Designed as a celebration of pop culture and self-expression, the limited-time pop-up invites customers to discover UT, UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt label, through some of its most globally loved collections inspired by art, manga, anime and characters.

The pop-up features a curated showcase of UT collections across globally recognized cultural franchises including Disney, manga and anime series, gaming titles, and other popular cultural touchpoints. Through UT, UNIQLO continues to bring together creativity and everyday wear, reimagining graphic T-shirts through the lens of LifeWear – simple, high-quality clothing designed to enrich everyday life.

Located at Ambience Mall, Gurugram, the limited-time pop-up has been designed to offer customers an engaging introduction to UT’s distinctive visual universe through seasonal collections, limited-time drops, and dedicated displays inspired by globally loved stories and characters. With graphic T-shirts continuing to see growing popularity among younger consumers and pop culture communities, the pop-up brings together fashion, individuality, and everyday style in a format tailored for customers evolving cultural landscape.

UT, short for UNIQLO T-shirt, is UNIQLO’s graphic T-shirt label that collaborates with artists, brands, characters, games, anime, and cultural institutions from around the world. Featuring collections across art, manga, music, movies, and characters, UT transforms cultural moments into wearable everyday apparel.

As part of the activation, customers and visitors are encouraged to share their favourite UT moments on social media throughout the duration of the pop-up.